Health Info > Headaches Published on : August 27, 2024

Headache and nausea – When to consult a doctor?

Name: Hola Health
Address: Australia
Telephone: +611300014652
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Written by Priyanka Agarwal, Writer at Hola Health
Medically reviewed by Dr Nelson Lau, MBBS FRACGP, GP & Digital Health Specialist

Headaches and nausea are typical issues that manifest separately or simultaneously, often causing pain and discomfort. While they are generally associated with minor problems like stress or dehydration, there are times when these symptoms may signify a more serious health condition. Understanding when to consult a doctor is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Let’s explore the causes of headaches and nausea, the circumstances that require medical attention, and the value of timely intervention.

Why do I feel nauseous and have a headache? Common causes and serious causes

Feeling nauseous and having a headache can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from common and easily treatable conditions to more serious health issues. Here are some of the common and the more serious causes:

Common causes:

Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can lead to nausea and headaches. Severe dehydration, however, requires urgent medical attention.
Stress or anxiety: Emotional stress can result in physical symptoms, including headaches and nausea, especially when it becomes chronic or overwhelming
Migraine: Migraines often cause severe headaches and can be accompanied by nausea.
Food poisoning: Consuming spoiled food can lead to feelings of nausea, vomiting, and head pain.
Hangover: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration and lead to head and stomach discomfort due to the body’s reaction to alcohol.
Medication side effects: Some medications can cause headaches and nausea as side effects.

Serious causes:

Concussion or head injury: A head injury can result in symptoms such as headaches and queasiness.
Meningitis: Swelling of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord can cause severe headaches, nausea, and neck rigidity.
Increased Intracranial pressure (ICP): Conditions that increase pressure in the skull such as tumors, may result in head pain and vomiting. This requires immediate medical evaluation.
Stroke: An unexpected headache with feelings of nausea could suggest a stroke, particularly if other symptoms such as fatigue or mental confusion are present.
Gastrointestinal issues: Conditions like appendicitis or pancreatitis can contribute to excessive vomiting and headaches. Headaches may occur secondary to dehydration as a stress response.

How to stop nausea and headaches? Changes in lifestyle that could help

Managing nausea and headaches can often be addressed through lifestyle changes. Here are some strategies that may help alleviate these symptoms:

1. Stay hydrated:

Proper hydration is critical for avoiding and treating headaches and nausea. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to stay hydrated. Dehydration can increase both symptoms, so increasing your water intake might help. Furthermore, if you have regular nausea, drinking electrolyte-rich beverages like sports drinks or coconut water will help replace lost electrolytes and improve your overall hydration.

2. Eat small meals:

Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than bigger, infrequent ones might assist in stabilising blood sugar levels, perhaps reducing nausea. Eating well-balanced meals with protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats can also help regulate blood sugar and reduce nausea. Be careful of meals that may cause your symptoms, such as fatty or spicy.

3. Get enough sleep:

Adequate, quality sleep is essential for overall health and can significantly impact how you feel. Establish a consistent sleep routine, aiming for 7-9 hours of restorative sleep every night. Poor sleep can increase the frequency and intensity of headaches and nausea, so getting enough sleep can help you manage these symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

4. Manage stress:

Stress is a major cause of nausea and headaches. Integrate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or mindfulness. These strategies can help you relax, relieve muscular tension, and minimise your chances of getting stress-related headaches and nausea.

5. Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption:

Too much caffeine and alcohol can aggravate headaches and lead to dehydration, which can cause nausea. Try to limit your use of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Paying attention to how these chemicals affect your symptoms and altering your consumption can help you manage and mitigate their effects on your overall health.

6. Maintain a healthy environment:

Keep your living environment well-ventilated to minimise stuffiness, which can cause headaches and nausea. Additionally, bright or flashing lights might strain your eyes and cause headaches. Choose soft, natural lighting and adjust the brightness of your screens to alleviate eye strain and create a more pleasant setting.

7. Exercising:

Regular, moderate exercise can improve circulation and general health, decreasing the frequency and intensity of headaches. Walking, swimming, and cycling can improve blood flow and reduce stress, which may assist with headaches and nausea. Regular physical exercise promotes improved sleep and stress management.

8. Use relaxation and acupressure:

Techniques like acupressure may help with nausea. For example, applying pressure to the P6 point on the wrist may help to relieve nausea in some people. Exploring different relaxation strategies and determining which ones work best for you might help you manage symptoms more successfully.

9. Avoid strong odours:

Strong or unpleasant odours might cause nausea in certain people. To reduce this, keep your living area well-ventilated and prevent exposure to strong fragrances like perfumes, cleaning agents, and cooking odours. Maintaining a clean and pleasant environment can assist in alleviating nausea and increase comfort.

10. Monitor and manage triggers:

Keeping a record of your symptoms, dietary consumption, sleep habits, and stress levels might help you uncover probable causes of your nausea and headaches. By seeing trends and adopting required lifestyle changes, you can better manage your symptoms and limit their occurrence. If symptoms persist, it is best to visit a healthcare expert to determine the underlying problem.

When should I worry about headaches and nausea?

Headaches and nausea can be stressful, but they are generally treatable with lifestyle modifications. However, you should get worried and seek medical assistance if you experience these symptoms:

Persistent or severe symptoms: Severe, regular, or intensifying headaches or nausea that persist after multiple remedies may suggest a serious problem.
New or unusual symptoms: The sudden development of severe headaches, especially if accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or neurological symptoms such as visual abnormalities, weakness, or disorientation, may indicate migraines, cluster headaches, or stroke. Seek immediate medical attention.
Accompanying symptoms: If headaches or nausea are followed by symptoms such as a high temperature, stiff neck, or rash, they may signal a serious infection like meningitis or another medical issue that requires immediate attention.
Medication side effects: If you have recently begun taking new medications and are experiencing chronic headaches or nausea, this might be a side effect that you should discuss with your doctor.
Impact on daily life: When symptoms interfere with your ability to operate normally or lower your quality of life, you should seek medical attention.

Let Hola Health help with your symptoms

If you're struggling with persistent headaches and nausea, Hola Health can provide valuable support and comprehensive telehealth services that effectively meet a variety of health requirements.

Telehealth appointments allow you to consult with a health practitioner from the comfort of your home within 15 minutes, eliminating travel requirements and minimising wait time. Whether it is after hours or a weekend, get medical advice instantly through telehealth.
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Get a medical certificate online from AHPRA-registered medical practitioners in minutes if you need to be away from employment, studies or if you are responsible for someone with a headache or nausea.
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Our telehealth services ensure you receive high-quality medical care while being convenient and private.

While headaches and nausea are commonly associated with trivial problems, they can also be signs of more serious medical concerns. It’s important to consider the seriousness, timeframe, and related symptoms of these issues. Knowing when to connect with a healthcare professional can significantly impact the prompt diagnosis and successful treatment

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